Hamza Shad

Hamza Shad is an insights manager at Carta, where he analyzes data on the VC and startup ecosystem. Previously, he conducted research on entrepreneurship in emerging markets at Endeavor.

Featured Article
State of Private Markets: Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the venture ecosystem showed modest signs of improvement.

Data & Research
Interact with Carta data using the Round Benchmarking Tool
Discover real-time insights on round sizes, valuations, and dilution with Carta's Round Benchmarking Tool. Tailor benchmarks by stage, sector, and region.

Data & Research
As PE’s exit math changes, investors are finding new ways to drive portfolio growth
PE firms are holding onto portfolio companies longer than they used to, and standout exits have grown increasingly rare. In response, the PE industry is finding new ways to drive growth and work toward the exits they need.

Article
Tender offer volume is skyrocketing
Carta's H1 2026 tender offer data shows 71 deals totaling $3B — a multi-year high that signals venture liquidity has entered a new era.

Article
What the biggest tech IPOs tell us about the economy
The massive IPO of SpaceX last week prompted me to look back at the largest tech debuts on US stock exchanges since 2000.

Article
The elusivity of DPI: our Q1 Fund Performance Report
Our latest Fund Performance Report covering Q1 2026 just dropped!

Article
New metro rankings, per capita!
What makes a great venture ecosystem? We could list a host of factors: infrastructure, institutions, networks, money…and of course, people.